Hunting season has begun in Montana which means that many of the beloved wolves protected in Yellowstone are at risk when they cross the invisible border of the park.

And the killing has already begun.

Just two days after the season opened on September 15, a hunter shot and killed a beloved two-year-old wolf known as "Wolf 1479F" just outside the park in the Wolf Management Unit 316.

She was part of the Junction Butte Pack and offspring of the legendary one-eyed alpha female 907F. She was the sole surviving pup of the 2023 litter. Her death was confirmed by her radio collar when checked in by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Her fans are devastated and beyond heartbroken over her death and took to social media to pay tribute to her.

Wildlife activists, photographers, tour guides, and researchers captured photos and videos of the beloved wolf in her natural environment and showed her playful, confident, and independent spirit that inspired many.

Taylor Rabe, Biological Science Technician at Yellowstone Wolf Project, had the privilege to see 1479F countless times over her short life and will continue to "smile" when she thinks of the wolf that was taken way too soon.

She shared photos and videos she took on Facebook and wrote, "It’s been years since I’ve felt so fond of a wolf. What’s the worst part of spending thousands of hours watching wolves? Losing one that you’ve come to know and love. Sometimes it seems overly dramatic to feel such a monumental loss when a wild animal dies, but I often have to remind myself that I am allowed to have a heavy heart, and mourn the loss of an animal that brought me so much joy over the years. It is not dramatic that I feel this way, it is what makes me human. I am allowed to feel this loss, and you are allowed to feel it, too."

Wyoming Untrapped, an environmental conservation organization, posted, "Her death reminds us of the cruel truth: imaginary lines determine the fate of our wildlife. Inside Yellowstone, wolves are protected, admired, and valued. But the moment 1479F stepped across the park’s invisible boundary, she lost all protection. Within hours, a life so cherished and vital to her family and ecosystem was ended by a bullet.

Sadly, the hunting of wolves in Montana will continue until the season comes to an end when the state quota of 558 wolves is met or until March 15, 2026. Yellowstone wolves are also in danger of being killed in Wyoming and Idaho if they wander outside the park. 

We must protect gray wolves. Nonprofit organization, Wolves of the Rockies, shared ten reasons why wolves are vital and why they should not be killed in a video on Facebook. Check it out below. 

Take more action by visiting their website to help protect these majestic animals.